Support our 2023 Holiday Appeal
When sweet senior pit bull Rocky arrived at Baypath’s doorstep, he had nowhere else to go.
His adoring family, facing housing insecurity, reached out to our team for rehoming support.
Recognizing the sadness and heartbreak Rocky’s family was experiencing, staff empathetically supported them with the overwhelming emotions that accompany surrendering a pet. Thanks to your generosity, we had the essential resources needed to assist Rocky’s owners with transitioning him into Baypath’s tenderhearted care.
Over the past year, stories like Rocky’s have regrettably become increasingly common. Due to financial hardship, the number of families surrendering their pets has skyrocketed nationally. This trend has impacted our shelter and community work here in Hopkinton, requiring diligence and compassion as our team works tirelessly to meet the increased local need for our services.
Because of your kind support, we can say ‘yes’ to incredibly deserving animals in need, including dogs like Rocky. Having lived with his previous family since puppyhood, nine-year-old Rocky struggled to adjust to shelter life, exhibiting distress related to separation anxiety. Our skilled team knew that a quiet foster or adoptive home was crucial for this gentle giant to thrive.
Due to our extensive foster network, phenomenal adopters and community of dedicated humane heroes like you, Rocky made his way into the extraordinary home of Leah & Catriona. As experienced dog owners, the pair knew that patiently allowing Rocky time to decompress on his own terms was paramount. Leah shares:
As for what we have done for Rocky, I think it comes down to showing him love and respect at all times. Catriona and I work hard to consider what we do (and don’t) know about his time before us. Because of this, we honor Rocky’s need to take things slow – most notably when meeting new people. We also try to understand where his behaviors are coming from and what he may need from us. Reminding Rocky that he is safe coupled with consistent praise is also key.
At Baypath, we not only welcome harder-to-adopt animals including seniors and those with behavioral challenges, we also serve local community members when they need us most. Thanks to Rocky’s adopters’ commitment to slow introductions and positive reinforcement training, this loveable senior now has a doting retirement home in which to enjoy the holidays – and his golden years.
As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on your vital support throughout this past year. You truly are behind each and every Baypath happy ending.
This holiday season, you can help us provide hope to countless animals in need by making a tax-deductible gift of $50, $250 or $500. Your thoughtful generosity offers dogs like Rocky a second chance at a warm and loving forever home. We are filled with tremendous gratitude for your lifesaving support!
With wishes for a peaceful holiday and a prosperous New Year,
Elizabeth Jefferis
Executive Director
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton